Ageless beauties reign over Richland County Fair

Bernie Miller and Bea Johnson, from Crestwood Care Center, got to pet a rabbit brought to the Ageless Beauty Contest at the Richland County Fair by Miller’s former neighbor Cassidy Thomas. Johnson was crowned the queen. Linwood Ensminger from Crystal Care Center of Mansfield was named king.(Photo: Dave Polcyn/News Journal photos)Buy Photo

For 31 years, area nursing homes celebrated that idea with the annual Ageless Beauty Contest held at the Richland County Fair.

Shelby Pointe Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation sponsored this year's contest, which took place on Monday.

A king and queen are selected from each participating nursing home to compete in the ageless beauty contest. The contestants vie for the right to be named the 2014 Ageless Beauty king, queen, duke and duchess.

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Emcee Roy Wallace got more than he bargained for from runner-up Hazel Robertson, 101, during the interview. She represented Elmcroft Assisted Living.(Photo: Dave Polcyn/News Journal)

Representing Crystal Care Center of Mansfield, Linwood Ensminger, 93, took this year's crown as king. Crestwood Care Center's Bea Johnson, 92, was named queen. Donald Long, 89, from Winchester Terrace was named duke and Hazel Robertson — 101-years young — represented Elmcroft Assisted Living and took home the title of duchess.

There were plenty of smiles and stories told Tuesday by all 17 participants.

Ensminger recounted his life as a minister who, in his 50 years of service, traveled with his wife to Florida and preached in small churches.

"It's been a real honor to serve the Lord," he said.

Johnson spent most of her life living in Shelby. She spoke about her passion for baseball and how she bonded with her siblings and father over the sport.

"From the time when I was a little girl, I've always been interested," said Johnson, a Cleveland Indians fan.

Johnson took time after the contest to catch up with Robertson, her friend and in-law. The two had known each other for a while as their grandchildren married years ago.

Bringing people together is one of the most important parts of the contest, Ensminger said.

Judge Patti Kastellic agreed. Kastellic, who has been a judge for the competition for 16 years, said this year's group of candidates were collectively older than past groups, but just as spirited.

What distinguished the four chosen senior from their peers was their passion and outlook on life, she said.

"They are amazing," Kastellic said. "Hearing their stories about life and their spirit is one of the things I looked for in them. The queen, in particular, it was her philosophy of living every day. She was very spirited, happy and positive at the age of (92)."

A few candidates, shared tips on their longevity. Some cited genetics and others did not have an answer.

King Ensminger knew exactly what did the trick for him.

"Live a clean, pure life," he said. "It's not what you say, it's how you live. I believe that with all my heart."

cerokwu@gannett.com

419-521-7220

Twitter: @ChikeErokwu

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Linwood Ensminger from Crystal Care Center of Mansfield, waves to his family after receiving his crown and trophy king of the Ageless Beauty Contest.(Photo: David H. Polcyn, Dave Polcyn/News Journal)